Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - November 29, 2025 - Hour 1 - When You Bring the Wrong Van… and Other Shop Adventures - (855)560-9900
About this episode
Ron Ananian shares insightful stories from the shop, focusing on a mix-up involving a 2019 Ford Transit and its brake issues. He discusses the complexities of vehicle maintenance, including the importance of using the correct parts and the challenges of rusted components. The episode also features a segment on winter car preparation, covering essential tips like tire pressure monitoring, battery checks, and the significance of winter tires. Additionally, Dale Ross from the National Auto Body Council discusses their Recycled Rides program, which provides refurbished vehicles to veterans in need.
This week on Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron answers a listener email about a Ford Transit rear brake job that turned into a wrong-year/ wrong-parts headache, then explains a 2021 Jeep Gladiator start/stop battery issue and the simple reset trick that brings it back to life. He lays out a fast winter car prep checklist—tires, batteries, coolant, washer fluid, oil, belts—and closes with how TPMS really works in cold weather. Plus, guest Dale Ross from the National Auto Body Council shares how the Recycled Rides program puts refurbished vehicles into the hands of veterans in need.
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Ford Transit
"You started to tell us about the 2019 Ford Transit with the rear brake problem that you had. I was wondering if you could finish it up and elaborate on it a little bit because I ran into a similar situation."
The Ford Transit is a large van that can be used for transporting goods or people. It's popular among businesses for its spacious interior.
The Ford Transit is a full-size van known for its versatility and cargo capacity, commonly used for commercial purposes.
Ford E150
"I think it was a 1997 Ford Van E150 was still going and he just figured he could squeeze a couple of more months at it."
The Ford E150 is a type of van that was made for many years and is known for being tough and reliable. People often use it for work or to transport things.
The Ford E150 is part of the E-Series vans, known for their durability and utility. The 1997 model is recognized for its reliability, often used for both personal and commercial purposes.
rear brakes
"It needs rear brakes. Okay, sure, yeah, bring it in. Had a little bit of a laundry list, no oil change and some other services. The fuel door was broken, which is a whole another story, this $200 piece of plastic that goes on to replace the fuel door when that breaks. And rear brakes."
Rear brakes are the brakes located at the back of the car. They help slow down and stop the vehicle when you press the brake pedal.
Rear brakes are the braking components located at the back of a vehicle, essential for slowing down and stopping the car. They work in conjunction with the front brakes to provide balanced braking performance.
fuel door
"The fuel door was broken, which is a whole another story, this $200 piece of plastic that goes on to replace the fuel door when that breaks. And rear brakes."
The fuel door is the cover that opens to let you put gas in your car. If it's broken, it can make it hard to refuel and might let dirt in.
The fuel door is a small cover that provides access to the fuel filler neck, allowing you to refuel the vehicle. A broken fuel door can lead to issues with refueling and may expose the fuel system to dirt and debris.
hub
"That's how the rotor is attached to the inside face of the hub. Now, the rotor rusts to the hub."
The hub is the part of the car that holds the wheel in place and allows it to spin. Sometimes, parts like the rotor can get stuck to it because of rust.
The hub is the central part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel to the vehicle. It houses the bearings and allows the wheel to rotate freely. The rotor is attached to the hub, and they can sometimes become stuck due to rust.
rotor
"Now, the rotor rusts to the hub. I don't care where you live. The rotor's gonna rust to the hub."
The rotor is the flat metal disc that the brake pads squeeze against to stop the car. If it gets rusty, it can cause problems with braking performance.
The rotor is a crucial component of a disc brake system, providing the surface against which the brake pads clamp to slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, rotors can rust, especially in areas with high moisture or road salt exposure.
pads
"But the pads, there was two choices of pads and they were wrong."
Brake pads are the parts that push against the brake discs to help stop the car. It's important to use the right ones for your vehicle.
Brake pads are the components that press against the rotors to create friction and slow down the vehicle. Choosing the correct pads is essential for safety and performance.
Jeep Gladiator
"...customer with a 21 Jeep Gladiator and Tom, I hope that explains it for you. We had a customer with a 21 Jeep Gladiator somewhere around the timeframe that this transit was in."
The Jeep Gladiator is a truck that can go off-road and is designed for adventure. It's like a Jeep but with a truck bed for carrying things.
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck known for its off-road capabilities and unique styling. It combines the ruggedness of a Jeep with the utility of a truck, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
main battery
"...needed batteries. The main battery was going dead."
The main battery is what starts the car and keeps the lights and radio working when the car is off. If it dies, the car won't start.
The main battery in a vehicle is responsible for starting the engine and powering electrical systems when the engine is off. If it goes dead, the vehicle may not start or function properly.
auxiliary battery
"And it has an auxiliary battery, that battery that's inside the fender well."
An auxiliary battery is an extra battery in a car that helps power things when the engine is off, like the radio or lights. It's especially useful in cars that turn off the engine to save fuel.
An auxiliary battery is a secondary battery used in vehicles to provide additional power for accessories and systems, especially in start-stop vehicles where the main battery may not be sufficient during engine off periods.
fender well
"that battery that's inside the fender well. And he was going to do it, but he went to YouTube University..."
The fender well is the space around the wheel of a car where you might find parts like batteries or suspension. It's inside the car's body, near the tires.
The fender well is the area of a vehicle that houses the wheel and tire, often providing space for components like batteries or suspension parts. It's typically located within the body of the car, adjacent to the wheel arch.
battery monitoring system
"...it's got BMI, battery monitoring systems, okay? So the computer looks at the battery..."
A battery monitoring system helps keep an eye on the car's battery to make sure it's working properly. It checks things like how much power is left and if the battery is getting too hot.
A battery monitoring system (BMS) is a technology that manages and monitors the state of a vehicle's battery. It ensures optimal performance, longevity, and safety by tracking parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature.
OBD2
"...if you're looking at this with a scan tool and you won't see this in OBD2,..."
OBD2 is a system in cars that helps mechanics check for problems by connecting a special tool to the car's computer.
OBD2 stands for On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized system that allows external devices to communicate with a vehicle's computer to monitor its performance and diagnose issues.
state of charge (SOC)
"...look at state of charger, SOC, depending on how your scan tool displays it,..."
State of Charge (SOC) tells you how much energy is left in a battery, similar to how a fuel gauge shows how much gas is in a tank.
State of Charge (SOC) refers to the current level of charge in a battery compared to its capacity, often expressed as a percentage. It's crucial for understanding battery health and performance.
dashboard warning message
"...you've likely at this point got a message on the dashboard that says, start, stop in operative,..."
A dashboard warning message is a signal on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong, like needing service or a part not working.
A dashboard warning message alerts the driver to potential issues with the vehicle, such as maintenance needs or system failures, often accompanied by a warning light.
winter tires
"...is about switching to winter tires because it's a question that you guys, you know, you're always wondering..."
Winter tires are special tires made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help your car grip the road better when it's slippery outside.
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, particularly on snow and ice. They feature a unique tread pattern and rubber compounds that remain flexible in low temperatures, enhancing grip.
all-season tires
"...should I switch to winter tires or my all season tires good enough for snow and ice?"
All-season tires are regular tires that can be used in different weather conditions, like rain and light snow. They are not as effective as winter tires when it gets really cold or snowy.
All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in a variety of conditions, including dry roads, wet roads, and light snow. However, they may not provide the same level of performance as winter tires in severe winter conditions.
tire pressure monitoring
"There's also some tire pressure monitoring complications because you'd have to create separate IDs and store the tires far enough away."
Tire pressure monitoring is a system that checks how much air is in your tires. If the air is too low, it lets you know so you can fill them up and drive safely.
Tire pressure monitoring refers to systems that monitor the air pressure inside the tires and alert the driver if the pressure is too low. This is important for safety and fuel efficiency.
Honda
"...Honda's come to mind. Some of the Toyota's come to mind..."
Honda is a popular car brand from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, like cars and motorcycles.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles.
battery testing tools
"...The industry has given us some great battery testing tools and devices..."
Battery testing tools help check if a car's battery is working well and has enough power.
Battery testing tools are devices used to assess the health and charge of a car battery, ensuring it functions properly.
antifreeze
"Antifreeze, big topic, right?"
Antifreeze is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot or too cold. It helps the engine run smoothly in different weather conditions.
Antifreeze is a fluid used in vehicle cooling systems to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the coolant, preventing engine overheating and freezing in cold temperatures.
coolant
"A lot of cars today at a minimum are five-year coolant vehicles. Some are 10. Where do you wanna stand on that conversation?"
Coolant is a liquid that helps keep your car's engine from getting too hot or too cold. It moves around the engine to keep it at the right temperature.
Coolant is a fluid used in vehicles to regulate engine temperature, preventing overheating and freezing. It circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and dissipating it effectively.
viscosity
"...you do wanna make sure you're using correct viscosity. And that's really not just a winter thing."
Viscosity is how thick or thin oil is. It affects how well the oil can flow and protect the engine, especially when it's cold or hot outside.
Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of an oil. It is crucial for ensuring that the oil can properly lubricate engine components, especially under varying temperatures.
Toyota Rav4S
"So don't rule that out. RAV4s, the tire on the door, that type of thing. But ti..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it's reliable and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's a good choice for families or anyone who needs a vehicle that can handle different types of driving, like city or highway. People often talk about the RAV4 because it's a popular and practical option.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It is significant in the automotive market as one of the first vehicles to popularize the crossover segment, appealing to families and individuals alike. Discussions around the RAV4 often highlight its practicality and versatility for everyday use.
door placard
"What do I mean by door placard? Open up the driver's door. There's a decal either on the door or on the post."
The door placard is a sticker on your car's door that tells you important details like how much air your tires should have and how much weight your car can carry. It's important for keeping your car safe and running well.
The door placard is a label found on the driver's side door or door post that provides important information about the vehicle, including the recommended tire pressure and the vehicle's weight limits. It's essential for maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring vehicle safety.
TPMS systems
"When I come back, we'll finish up with this TPMS systems right on the other side."
TPMS is a system that checks how much air is in your car's tires. If the air pressure is too low, it warns you so you can fill them up, which helps keep you safe and can save on gas.
TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is designed to monitor the air pressure in tires and alert the driver when the pressure is too low. This system helps ensure vehicle safety and can improve fuel efficiency by maintaining proper tire pressure.
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